OBERMEYER Develops a New Blueprint for Yangcheng Area

Shaping the City of the Future - OBERMEYER Develops a New Blueprint for Yangcheng Riverside Area in Hangzhou’s Airport Economic Demonstration Zone

Urban Planning

Yangcheng Riverside Area is located north of Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, serving as a key node along the world-class landscape corridor of the Qiantang River and a vital gateway at the estuary and urban interface. The goal of the area's development is to comprehensively evaluate the core values of historical and cultural, landscape and ecological, and industrial development elements; establish structural links between these elements; explore the harmonious integration of natural, humanistic, and modern urban components; and construct a riverside open-space network that balances the dual attributes of "landscape ecology" and "historical culture." This network will be supported by diversified and multi-functional public facilities to enable flexible and sustainable land development and renewal, ultimately shaping an iconic riverside space with Hangzhou's heritage and Xiaoshan's unique character.

 

Guided by the core concepts of "River City Sequence, Scenic Range, Water Network and Polder Fields, Multi-dimensional Tide Viewing, and Layered Buildings," the design team of OBERMEYER and its partners - Southeast University Architectural Design & Research Institute and Shanghai Colliers Property Consultant, has studied an area of nearly 9 square kilometers and meticulously planned a 1-square-kilometer demonstration zone for future industry-urban integration. The goal is to transform Yangcheng Riverside Area into an international first-class industry-urban hub within Xiaoshan District and the Yangtze River Delta Economic Circle, and to establish it as a globally recognized landmark of a world-class waterfront city, serving as a vibrant model of integrated industry and urban development. （ Project Profile ）

 

 

The planning scheme skillfully adopts the Qiantang River as the main axis of spatial layout, deepening and reinforcing the hierarchical progression of "River-Embankment-Hill-City." Driven by an industry-urban-airport-port chain, it creates a vibrant development axis that runs through the area and stimulates the potential of dual cores. Meanwhile, leveraging the natural ecological foundation of pastoral hills and ridges, it constructs organic clusters with varying scales and integrated environments, forming a clear spatial framework for the area and outlining a grand vision for the future development of Yangcheng Riverside.
Design Highlights：

 

  • In the design concept, the team breaks away from traditional industrial park models by adopting strategies of "Mountain Creation for Scenic Views, Water Diversion to Form Streets, and Field Connection to Hills," creating multi-level landscape corridors and shaping an urban form that balances density and openness while integrating urban and rural elements. Through layered architectural language, it crafts a visually distinct image of a mountain-water city, endowing the area with a unique visual identity.

     

  • The reshaping of the riverfront space is one of the design highlights. By redefining functions such as communication, tourism, tide watching, and ecology, the area evolves into a multi-dimensional waterfront experience. The creation of new landmarks not only strengthens the regional identity but also becomes a core driver for the development of a world-class waterfront city.

     

  • Additionally, the plan introduces a flexible, unitized, and modular development model for industrial clusters, tailored to meet the dynamic lifecycle needs of enterprises. By incorporating the cutting-edge TOD 5.0 concept, the area achieves integrated three-dimensional development across transportation, functionality, spatial design, ecology, and industry. This holistic approach not only drives economic growth but also fosters sustainable urban development, setting a benchmark for regional advancement.

 

  • In terms of sustainability, the proposal includes a green transportation system, ecological compensation mechanisms, renewable energy integration, comprehensive regional energy management, and green low-carbon buildings. These strategies aim to establish a zero-carbon demonstration zone for urban development that is intelligent, comfortable, and sustainable.

 

 

The overall design embraces an ecological-first principle, advocating for harmonious and sustainable development between urban and nature. By integrating elements such as fields, gardens, and hills, it constructs an urban space where production and scenery are seamlessly blended. This approach drives the quality improvement and upgrading of airport economic zones through innovation. The plan not only outlines a vision for the future development of Yangcheng Riverside Area but also offers a replicable model for high-quality regional development.